The end of one year and the beginning of a new one is a great time to evaluate life and ministry and see what works and what doesn’t. I did that very thing and felt like a total failure because I met very little of my goals for the year. And then I came across a quote from Thomas Edison that helped to change the way I was thinking and get a biblical perspective of success.
He said “I have not failed. I’ve just found 10,000 ways that won’t work.” Of course, he found ways that did work, too. And he may have viewed both as successes because he learned something from each of them.
My lack of accomplishments wasn’t for lack of trying, but circumstances beyond my control forced me to narrow my focus on getting healthy and ministering to my family for much of the year. Everything else got cut from my calendar. No writing, no creating, very little serving… That was tough, but necessary, and I don’t regret that time off.
But that doesn’t erase the disappointment of unmet expectations, incomplete tasks, and postponed projects.
What does God say about success?
Edison’s words planted a seed for a new viewpoint on achievement and were the inspiration for this post. God used them to remind me to have a biblical perspective of success and focus on what He taught me throughout the year, instead of on what I saw as failures.
Everything is a teachable moment with me and the Lord. I just don’t always remember to ask Him what I’m supposed to learn from it.
Joshua 1:8 records the only mention of the word “success” in the entire Bible. In it, God says to Joshua, ”This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success.”
God’s formula for success is to internalize and obey the word.
Meditate and do.
The prosperity gospel has drawn boatloads of people away from this truth. This false teaching suggests we speak and God does. It’s backwards and not biblical at all. “Name it and claim it” theology amplifies our fallen, sinful tendencies toward self-focus, pride, comfort, and materialism.
God loves us and desires to bless us, but His primary concern is not our happiness, but our holiness, which is far more beneficial to our wellbeing than chasing after things that can never truly satisfy the deep longings of our souls.
Living our best life here on earth is not nearly as profitable as dying to self and enjoying rewards in Paradise.
Deuteronomy 29:9 KJV – Keep therefore the words of this covenant, and do them, that ye may prosper in all that ye do.
How do we determine biblical success?
Success is not measured by the number in our bank account or the amount of likes and followers on our social media. It’s not the size of our audience or ministry that matters. Nor is success determined by the boxes being checked off our bucket list or to-do list.
Biblical success is accomplishing what God calls us to do. It’s our obedience to His word, His will, and His ways that determine our success.
This biblical perspective of success in life and ministry is counter-cultural and often counter-intuitive. We naturally gauge prosperity by the amount of wealth, health, power, and influence we have obtained. In fact, that is how Webster’s dictionary defines success.
But, as Christians, we should be like-minded with Christ. Jesus left his throne, gave up all the perfection of lavish surroundings, and traveled as a vagabond. In place of the glory, honor, and praise He received in Heaven, Jesus faced ridicule, rejection, hatred, and a brutal death at the demand of the very people He came to save.
By the world’s standards, Jesus was a failure. But in His heart and in God’s eyes, He had glorified God and finished the work He gave Him to do. And when He rose from the grave, in the ultimate comeback story, Jesus won the victory over death and hell. That was God’s stamp of approval, showing that Jesus was an acceptable sacrifice to pay the sin-debt of the world.
John 17:4 KJV ~ I have glorified thee on the earth: I have finished the work which thou gavest me to do.
A biblical perspective of success in life and ministry
We need to stop counting cash, converts, and certifications to gauge our success in life and ministry. We need to look away from the fruit of our endeavors, or lack thereof, and ask ourselves:
- Was I obedient to the will of God?
- Was I faithful to Jesus?
- Did I love God and love others?
- Did I share the gospel?
If we can answer “Yes” to those things, then according to God’s wisdom, we are succeeding at the only endeavor that matters-glorifying Him.
The results are from the Lord. It’s the abiding, attitude, and actions that are our concern.
3 Keys to success in life and ministry
Jesus gave us two commandments-to love God, and to love others. (Mark 12:30-31) He gave us one commission-to share the gospel and make disciples. (Matt. 28:19-20) And He called us to eternal life, which is defined by Jesus in John 17:3 as knowing the One True God, and His Son, Jesus Christ.
Our love for God and others, and our obedience to Him, is in direct correlation to our intimacy with Him. So if we want to thrive in the abundant life that Christ offers, accomplishing the mission God has for us, then we need to focus our efforts on three things.
Three keys to success in life and ministry are:
- Fellowship with Christ–Colossians 2:2-3
- Faithfulness as a steward of the truth–1Corinthians 4:2
- Faith in God and His word–1Thessalonians 5:24
As long as we are cultivating friendship with Christ, being faithful to the commandments, commission, and calling, and are trusting the Lord to do His part, then we cannot fail.
Careers may flop, relationships may flounder, ideas may fall flat, but faithfulness to God will always yield fruit that remains, even if we don’t see it this side of eternity.
What if we really are failing?
Perhaps you haven’t been faithful to the Lord this year. Maybe you have strayed from the path of life God wants you on. Or possibly you’re in all out rebellion against Him. No judgment here, and I say this with love, you need to repent and return to what you know to be true.
It’s so easy to get distracted and drawn away by the lusts of the flesh, the eyes, and the pride of life. They may promise happiness but only bring heartache. And it happens to the best of us. But the longer we linger in disobedience, the shorter our time is to be profitable for the Kingdom.
Jesus is coming soon, and His reward is with Him. (Rev. 22:12) We don’t want to be ashamed before Him. (1John 2:28) The desire of our hearts should be to hear “well done, thou good and faithful servant.” (Matthew 25:21)
Be wise to the traps Satan sets out for you and avoid them. Abide in Christ and walk in the power of the Holy Spirit. That is where we find security, stability, and strength, and that is the only way to succeed.
How to have a biblical perspective of success in life and ministry
Instead of focusing on all the things that didn’t get done, or didn’t meet my standards, I’m trying to zero in on the blessings and the lessons. That approach brings peace and praise to God for His goodness and grace to this broken believer.
I did nothing perfectly, of course, but the inclination of my heart was toward the Lord and glorifying Him. And even on the days I disobeyed or strayed, God loved me still, as He does you.
His grace is sufficient, His mercy is endless, and His love is unconditional. Praise the Lord, Hallelujah!
Persevere, my friend! Maintain a biblical perspective of success, and praise the Lord for His Spirit that enables, equips, and empowers us to fight the flesh, focus forward, and fulfill our ministry. Press into Jesus, our perfect example to follow, and finish the work God gave you to do!
HAPPY NEW YEAR!
More posts about biblical perspectives:
How to Have the Proper Perspective for Personal Integrity on Difficult Days
3 Reminders as I Grow in the Knowledge of Jesus
Am I Suffering Because of Sin in My Life?
How to be Sober in Stressful Times
5 Things to Remember to Turn Your Resolutions Into Reality
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